Local News from Across the Rainy River District
The Ford government introduced legislation Tuesday that would open Ontario’s public clean energy fund to support nuclear power — a move critics say redirects resources away from faster, cheaper renewable options such as wind and solar. The Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act proposes expanding eligibility for […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used for a long time to make life as a farmer easier, but it does come with some risks, says a University of Guelph professor. Dr. Rozita Dara told The Observer that AI has been used in agriculture in at least some fashion for a […]
River Heights teens want their high schools to embrace technology — the possibilities of artificial intelligence, in particular — rather than ban it. Grade 11 student Salina Lupu uses AI-powered chatbots to help her strategize how best to manage her time when she’s working on a major project. Matias Lastra, […]
A downtown Fort Frances fixture is opening back up under a new name and ownership, but with the same commitment to quality and service. What was once Howarth’s Home Centre, and then Leon’s is now Hometown Furniture and Appliance, a brand-new venture from two local businessmen who are looking to […]
The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship (FFCBC) proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the organization is issuing an urgent call for New Directors and volunteers to help carry the tournament into the future. Without new directors the tournament will not continue. Over the past three decades the FFCBC has […]
Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree introduced the Bill, the Strong Borders Act to strengthen applicable laws and keep Canadians safe. According to a press release from the federal government the bill aims to give law enforcement agencies the powers they need to keep the border secure. “The bill will […]
It’s time to crown new Fort Frances royalty as the Mini King and Queen event returns ahead of Canada Day. The annual event is once again open to registration from now until Tuesday, June 10, 2025, allowing those interested in participating just under a week to submit their names. The […]
While the Ford government announced its support for those on the Ontario Disability Support Program and other income support programs by preventing tax-collecting clawbacks of the Canada Disability Benefit, advocates are saying the changes don’t go far enough. “In a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty brought on by US tariffs […]
On May 21, girls from Robert Moore and J.W. Walker schools gathered at the Fort Frances sports fields to take part in a fun-filled day of baseball. Rebecca Tolen is the Youth Outreach Worker at Robert Moore School and helped run the program. “J.W. Walker and Robert Moore were both […]
Annalise “CC” Hayes is well known in the Fort Frances area, the former Muskie Girls captain who saw the team to multiple OFSAA appearances and medals and has now won a championship overseas and is bringing her hockey knowledge home to the Fort Frances area for a week of hockey […]
Wildfires raging across western Canada have contributed to smoky days with no end in sight in the Rainy River District. Residents have dealt with smoky, hazy days for most of a week as the fallout from significant wildfires in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta is felt in the district. According to […]
Due to active forest fires, communities in northwestern Ontario may experience smoke in the air and poor air quality. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to your health. You may experience […]
